Sunday, July 24, 2011

Difference between Proof and Evidence

Definition of proof: The evidence or argument that compels the mind to accept an assertion as true.

Definition of evidence: The documentary or oral statements and the material objects admissible as testimony in a court of law.

Most people think that proof and evidence are the same concepts, but they are not. As stated supra, evidence is the material information that the court relies on to base the facts. Proof on the other hand is when the court decides if the evidence is proven or not. The evidence has to be in accordance to the law to prove a fact.

There are two different types of proof: prima facie proof and conclusive proof.

Prima facie proof is a fact that at first sight seems to be proven, but may later be disproven. Conclusive proof is proof that is indisputable, it is conclusive.

About Me

... whenever the mind with attention considers any proposition, so as to perceive the two ideas signified by the terms, and affirmed or denied one of the other to be the same or different; it is presently and infallibly certain of the truth of such a proposition; and this equally whether these propositions be in terms standing for more general ideas, or such as are less so: e.g. whether the general idea of Being be affirmed of itself, as in this proposition, "whatsoever is, is"; or a more particular idea be affirmed of itself, as "a man is a man"; or, "whatsoever is white is white" ...